Coyle sacked by Bolton

Tuesday 09 October 2012

Bolton Wanders have announced that they relieved Owen Coyle of his duties as manager. The decision comes after a torturous year or so for the Trotters, culminating in their relegation from the Premier League after 10 seasons. Coyle’s side then made an inauspicious start to life in the Championship and are currently in a lowly 18th position.

According to the BBC, a statement on the official Bolton club website from chairman Phil Gartside read:

“It is the right time for a change. We set a target at the beginning of the season and want to get back on track.

“Owen poured his heart and soul into the job, both on and off the pitch, and he led our club with great dignity during some very challenging times,” Gartside added. “I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Owen, Sandy Stewart (his assistant) and Steve Davis (first team coach) for all their hard work during their time at Bolton.”

46-year-old Coyle said in a statement of his own: “I want to thank the fans for their backing since I returned [to the club where he was a player], the chairman Phil Gartside and the owner Eddie Davies for their support and friendship and the club’s staff and players for all their effort and commitment.”

Coyle returned to the Reebok Stadium in early 2010 having led local rivals Burnley from the depths of the Championship to mid-table in the Premier League, and although the Paisley-born manager’s first full season was impressive as the Trotters reached the FA Cup semi-final, the 2011-12 season proved ultimately to be Coyle’s undoing.

Academy manager Jimmy Phillips and head of academy coaching and development Sammy Lee, who also had a spell as manager of the club in 2007, will take charge of the team until Coyle’s replacement is found.

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